Well, just like last week, Houston had a very deflating finish to this preseason game, losing to the Las Vegas Raiders 22-20, dropping to 0-2 this preseason. Despite the loss, however, this game was a much more satisfying showing from the Texans roster than last week's loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. Tonight, the Houston Texans faced first overall pick QB Fernando Mendoza, hoping to get some positive action from their roster following the devastating news of WR Jayden Higgins' injury yesterday. They got exactly what they were looking for on the first two drives of the game: a methodical, run-heavy drive from the first-stringers that ended in a 20-yard Woody Marks touchdown run, and then a pick-six on Mendoza by rookie LB Wade Woodaz!
For a moment, you might've mistaken this game to be a pivotal late-season matchup with the amount of cheering from the fans following Woodaz's interception. Then, on the next Raiders' drive, DE Jadeveon Clowney announced his return to Houston with a deflection against Mendoza on third down! Seeing that #90 screaming off the edge for Houston's defensive line again after seven years away is a very welcome sight, especially considering the state the Texans' franchise is in now compared to the chaotic state it was in during the Bill O'Brien era. Clowney makes for an excellent depth piece on the edge, and if the preseason is any indication, Houston may be leaning on its defensive line a lot once again in 2026.
Following the three-and-out by the Raiders, Texans backup QB Davis Mills entered the game along with many second and third-string players. He targeted backup TE Foster Moreau and Noah Whittington on this drive, and he even got a nice completion to undrafted rookie Daniel Sobkowicz on third down. Just barely not enough for a new set of downs, though, so Houston settles for a field goal, making it 17-0 with a little over 3 minutes left in the first quarter.
The Raiders answered that drive with a field goal drive of their own, led by some impressive runs from rookie RB Mike Washington – who's too fast for Texans LB Jake Hummel – and FB/TE Connor Hayward. Texans rookie DT Kayden McDonald put an end to the string of positive plays for the Raiders, sacking Mendoza for an eleven yard loss and reminding everyone what this Texans d-line is capable of. The Raiders settle for a field goal, and then both teams trade punts, and Houston nabs a field goal shortly before halftime.
Texans rookie WR Lewis Bond made an impressive reception on 3rd & 8, and RB Noah Whittington had a few nice runs in the second quarter, but the run-blocking from Houston's backup offensive lineman still leaves much to be desired. Blake Fisher still doesn't look the part of a second-round pick, and Braden Smith wasn't particularly impressive, either. Thankfully, it appears they may have found a star in rookie TE Marlin Klein, who had a 17-yard reception that showcased his ability to track a bad pass, reel it in while in motion, and crank up the
For a moment, you might've mistaken this game to be a pivotal late-season matchup with the amount of cheering from the fans following Woodaz's interception. Then, on the next Raiders' drive, DE Jadeveon Clowney announced his return to Houston with a deflection against Mendoza on third down! Seeing that #90 screaming off the edge for Houston's defensive line again after seven years away is a very welcome sight, especially considering the state the Texans' franchise is in now compared to the chaotic state it was in during the Bill O'Brien era. Clowney makes for an excellent depth piece on the edge, and if the preseason is any indication, Houston may be leaning on its defensive line a lot once again in 2026.
Following the three-and-out by the Raiders, Texans backup QB Davis Mills entered the game along with many second and third-string players. He targeted backup TE Foster Moreau and Noah Whittington on this drive, and he even got a nice completion to undrafted rookie Daniel Sobkowicz on third down. Just barely not enough for a new set of downs, though, so Houston settles for a field goal, making it 17-0 with a little over 3 minutes left in the first quarter.
The Raiders answered that drive with a field goal drive of their own, led by some impressive runs from rookie RB Mike Washington – who's too fast for Texans LB Jake Hummel – and FB/TE Connor Hayward. Texans rookie DT Kayden McDonald put an end to the string of positive plays for the Raiders, sacking Mendoza for an eleven yard loss and reminding everyone what this Texans d-line is capable of. The Raiders settle for a field goal, and then both teams trade punts, and Houston nabs a field goal shortly before halftime.
Texans rookie WR Lewis Bond made an impressive reception on 3rd & 8, and RB Noah Whittington had a few nice runs in the second quarter, but the run-blocking from Houston's backup offensive lineman still leaves much to be desired. Blake Fisher still doesn't look the part of a second-round pick, and Braden Smith wasn't particularly impressive, either. Thankfully, it appears they may have found a star in rookie TE Marlin Klein, who had a 17-yard reception that showcased his ability to track a bad pass, reel it in while in motion, and crank up the
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